Mr. Pádraig Ó Flannagáin:

Ba mhaith liom cúpla focal a rá i dtaobh airgeadas. Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann is well placed to make a positive contribution to the Irish economy as well as to the self-confidence of the Irish people. The comhaltas organisation is now active in 15 countries and four continents, with units in such places as Sydney, Moscow, Argentina, Chile, Japan, Sardinia and Bogota, to mention a few. These are valuable contact points that provide a focus for Ireland as a place, rich in culture and tradition. Presenting a country in this positive light facilitates its consideration as a place to visit. Ultimately, it culminates in financial gains for the tourism sector in Ireland. At home in Ireland, there are significant spin-offs from comhaltas activity. A recent independent assessment of the three years of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Cavan concluded that the number of visitors to the area was 800,000, generating €105 million for the region. It is not uncommon for people to find that accommodation is not available within 20 miles of the hosting town during the weekend of the fleadh.

Members have already heard that up to 25,000 people compete at fleadhanna ceoil each year and many of the instruments being played are produced in Ireland. Some competitors compete in a number of competitions. The more young people learn and play music, the more income is generated for the craftsmen who make the instruments, ultimately benefiting the Irish economy. There is a comparable situation in regard to dancing. With regard to music recording, a number of comhaltas units and many individual musicians produce recordings of music or song, an activity which in turn supports the recording sector. This activity in turn facilitates businesses engaged in the retail and broadcasting sectors.

Mar fhocal scoir, the activity generated as a direct consequence of the normal business of comhaltas indirectly supports many other sectors. Mar a deireann an seanfhocal, "ls ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine."